A Chop Job
Adam's chop job has begun! The black Cherokee recently named "Trail Boss" went under the plasma cutter Saturday night. The back upper corner of the Cherokee was removed. Then the rear side panels underwent strengthening and formed into the sides of a short exterior bed. The current design does not, however, include a tailgate. Next, the back of a Jeep Comanche cab then got welded and molded into the existing C pillar and roof of the Cherokee. Bondo went on next in countless layers. The next step is primer! A final paint scheme has yet to be decided. A friendly debate is on-going. Orange, Lime Green, Blue, or the original all Black are all in the running. A full roll cage will strenthen the now weakened unibody. Future plans also include twin airtanks within the two rear sides of the exterior bed and a permanent fuel cell above the rear deck. The reason for such severe modifications? Adam says he wants to make the rig as light as possible and use every inch of space effieciently. "The Jeep is on a diet," he jokes. Further updates can be expected.
--Mallori Cain |
Gator4x4 On Parade!
Gator4x4 added an adventurous twist to the UF Homecoming Parade this year! An amazing float, breath-taking stunts, and well equipped vehicles showed Gainesville the 4x4 way of life. Thanks to everyone who helped create the float and all who participated. We'd also like to especially thank Jerry Flunker and family for all their assistance in this year's parade. More pictures of the parade can be found here: Parade Pictures |
River Rock was a great success for those who participated! The weather was amazing all weekend long, although a little warm. The owner of River Rock was always offering his assistance in any situation and a pleasure to deal with.
Read full article |
Growing # of OHV Enthusiasts
The below information is a news release from the Forest Service citing statistical data that supports that statement.
In general, note:
2000 - 17.6% of the population (37.6 million)
2002 - 19.3% of the population (41.4 million)
2004 - 23.2% of the population (49.6 million)
participate in OHV recreation
UFWDA Full Details
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Osceola Campout
"Thanks for letting my wife and I join you for the ride on Saturday. We enjoyed meeting everyone"
"I had a blast out there... Thanks for everything guys, I had a great time!"
"The turnout was better than expected.. thanks for coming out everyone."
"I had an awsome time and looking forward to the next trip."
Pictures |
Off-Road Driving Techniques and Safety
As truck ownership has increased in America, so has the amount of off-highway recreation. There is no special license required to drive off-road, even though there are many different techniques and practices involved. There does exist an often unspoken etiquette that is practiced by old-school four-wheelers, which developed not just so that everyone can get along on the trail, but, primarily, for safety considerations.
Read Article |
Who's the New Guy?
Yes we've all been there at one point in time or another. Its not easy entering into a new group, especially when the group already has close ties with one another. This interesting article is from the UFWDA's website which will remind us all of our first experiences within a group. It also gives the new guy plenty of pointers to move forward and become one of the group.
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Eye Protection and Safety
"
Eye injuries can cause serious vision loss or even blind-ness. They are among the problems most often treated inhospital emergency rooms. More severe injuries must betreated by an ophthalmologist (a medically trained eyedoctor and surgeon).
Nearly half of all eye injuries occur around the home,and most of them are preventable. Prevention is the bestmedicine."
Read more from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society about eye safety
here: Eye Safety |
Recovery Straps - Proper Usage The right recovery straps and how to use them can make the difference if you can pull your vehicle out safely or if you have to wait on a tow truck.
A high quality strap without hooks attached to it is the strap you want to use for getting a vehicle unstuck.
Read More... |
FL4WDA MLK Weekend Basil - "You can't hurt the feisty goat!"
Travis - "I'm gonna *mess* it up!"
Wow, he sure wasn't kidding. A little mud, a little speed, and a lot of skidding. Luckily, nobody was hurt but the goat in this little accident. After sealing the radiator with solder and pulling the front bumper back out with a winch, it showed it was truly unstoppable by driving all the way back to Gainesville. The goat is truly a fighter. Looks like Travis will be building a new XJ bumper soon...
MLK weekend pictures. |
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Girl's Guide to Jeeping This list has been compiled over years of riding off-road. This is by no means a complete list, but it does give you the most important tips any experienced female rider could give to a new jeep chick. My intention is to help those who have not had the pleasure of riding, and hopefully amuse those who have been off the pavement. (Some of you will be able to bring up special events in our history that lead to these tips.)
Read more...
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Alapaha River Run 2005 Ever been white water rafting in a jeep? Nah, we haven't either, but we have been wheeling on a riverbed. The Alapaha River was mostly dry up near Jasper, FL in November. We started out with a few problems and one jeep never actually made it up to the river but the driver still came along for a weekend of fun. Once arriving at our destination we promptly aired down and reattached our front driveshafts in the dense sugar sand that makes up the riverbed. Some decided to venture out while others set up camp or prepared for the night ride planned. That's when we got the message on the CB that somebody was in trouble.
Read more... |
